'Alien8' Culminates Playhouse Youth Company Experience In New Hope

NEW HOPE, Pa. - Teens representing 14 high schools and middle schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are getting a taste of professional theatre this summer as members of the Playhouse Youth Company.

During a five week intensive theatre training program at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, they have undergone a rigorous training program that culminates this week in the public staging of the show, “Alien8.”

The training has included daily rehearsals for a professionally produced production; master classes with artists from the Playhouse’s main stage; and outreach performances throughout the region.

Bridget Parker, a student at New Hope-Solebury High School, called it “an incredible opportunity” to be involved with a professional theatre show and an original production.

“It’s teaching all of us how to work in a professional environment and what that is really like. We have also met some amazing people and have done some amazing workshops,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for each of us to fully understand ourselves better.”

Riley Malone from Central Bucks West High School praised the experience. “I’m getting so much out of this,” he said. “It’s the dream cast in my opinion and to be part of such a talented cast I am very grateful. It’s amazing to see everyone respecting the material.”

Sofia Garcia from Lawrence High School said she has also enjoyed the opportunity to work on new material.

“I’m used to doing shows that have already been done or you can watch them online,” she said. “This is something new that we helped mold and add our own touch to it. And we could talk to the actual creator, which I have never been able to do before. That’s a very special opportunity.”

Parker agreed. “It’s been an incredible opportunity to figure out our characters. We spent a whole afternoon at the beginning sitting down and figuring out our characters and how we thought their lives would be. That was something amazing to do and something you don’t often get to experience because you’re working with characters who have already been developed.”

Now for a little bit about “Alien8,” the original musical that they will be bringing to the stage from Thursday, August 4 through Saturday, August 6. Performances will be held each day at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

“Alien8” is about a buried secret and a community determined to keep it that way; a catastrophic event that twists, breaks, and reshapes every facet of their lives; and a mysterious stranger who appears and seems to know them better than they know themselves.

It tells the story of a wounded town reckoning with its shame and finding connection through forgiveness.

Written by Kate Brennan and David Lee White, directed and choreographed by Kara Jönsson, with musical direction by Kyle Duke, “Alien8” is a new contemporary musical written in the style of “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Be More Chill,” and “Heathers.”

Featuring a beautiful contemporary score performed by the Youth Company Orchestra and a diverse cast of characters, “Alien8” challenges the audience to think deeply about who they really are, who they want to be, and how to reconcile differences between present and future selves.

“Alien8” was developed with and written for teenagers, and speaks to intergenerational views of gender, identity, and inclusion within an anthem of belonging, love, and acceptance,” said Michaela Murphy, Bucks County Playhouse Director of Education.

“We’re honored that the Playhouse Youth Company gets to perform the regional premiere of ‘Alien8,’” continued Murphy. “Our students connected with the material immediately and it is exhilarating to see the show resonate with them so deeply. For all of us on the creative team, it has been a joy to work with these incredible young people. This timely musical reminds us that miracles can happen when we radically accept the differences of those we love.”

The composers Kate Brennan from York and David Lee White from Bordentown, N.J., workshopped “Alien8” at McCarter Theater in Princeton, N.J. A student production was also presented at Drexel University.

The Playhouse Youth Company production of “Alien8” features a cast of 17 local performers ages 13-18 who are selected by audition for the conservatory-style training program. Youth Company participants this year represent 14 different high schools and middle schools in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The cast includes: Mia Alicea (Farrell Elementary/Benjamin Rush Arts Academy), Helena Badiali (Tohickon Middle), Kailey Bredeson (Delaware Valley Regional), Jessica Daley (Pennsbury), Atticus Fiorito (Delaware Valley Regional), Sofia Garcia (Lawrence High), Maggie Gronenthal (Lawrence High), Jessica Holliday (North Hunterdon), Izzy Hoskins (Newtown Middle), Liam Quinn Jackson (North Penn), Riley Malone (Central Bucks West), Athena Matthes (Pennwood Middle), Makayla McClintic (Central Bucks West), Maya Micsion (Council Rock North), Michael Murphy (Holland Middle), Bridget Parker (New Hope-Solebury), and Jacob Rabinowitz (Pennsbury).

Kirk Bookman is Visual Design Consultant. Costume designer is Michaela Murphy. Ryan Walsh is Sound Designer. And Mackenzie Seewagen is Production Stage Manager.

Bridget Parker, who plays the character “8” in the show, encourages everyone to come out to see the show.

“The show has a very interesting way of portraying connections between characters. At the beginning of the show my character 8 has limited speech ability so it’s all about using physical motion to portray feelings. That’s such a powerful thing especially in a town that’s portrayed as very disconnected and out of touch with one another. It’s a beautiful way to portray connections.”

Adds Sofia Garcia, a student at Lawrence High School, “Everyone who comes to this show will be able to relate to at least one of the characters. I really like that about this show. Every single person in the show has something different that they are working on.”

“This is a show for everyone,” agrees Malone. “Not everyone is perfect in the show, but everyone has a chance to do their best. It’s about the first step to improving oneself. It’s about the first step to confronting grief. It’s about a lot of things. And anyone will get something from this and that’s why I feel anyone can enjoy it.”

Single tickets to “Alien8” are on sale now. Tickets start at $15 for children and $20 for adults plus fees. Patrons save 20 percent off when buying four or more tickets. Special rates for groups of 10 or more.

Three show season ticket packages are still available for the mainstage series. For complete details, and to purchase tickets, visit buckscountyplayhouse.org or call 215-862-2121.